Category: london

Guess what?

My boo and I are leaving for a 2 week European vacation next week! We are going to Bruges, Amsterdam, Paris, and my beloved London. We’ve never been to the first 3 places so it’ll be a new adventure and I’m OBSESSED with London so I’m beyond thrilled to go back.

I can’t wait for the trip, however, i’m currently FREAKING out! Freaking out as in I’m SUPER excited and can’t wait to see and eat in these amazing new places BUT I’m also starting to get into a panic mode. This always happens to me before a trip, but this will be the longest vacation- let alone international vacation -we’ve taken. I’m making lists, making itineraries, and trying not to forget anything. Once I’m on the plane I will relax. 🙂

During my most recent anxiety attack I thought to myself, “why don’t I make a blog post with all of my must have travel items?” so here I am! LET’S BEGIN!

1. Comfortable Shoes

First on my list is kind of an obvious one but I’ve learned this the hard way- COMFORT IS KEY! When we were in London & Savannah last year, I averaged about 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day. That is a HUGE difference from my astounding six to seven thousand step-a-day average (I have an office job, don’t judge!). When we first arrived in London, I thought, “we’re in London, I need to be adorable at all times!” Chris said “babe, you need to wear comfy shoes, you’re going to complain later” …I hate when he’s right -which is very rare 🙂 but he was! Below is my “cute” booties.

After about 2 hours of wearing those bad boys and walking around the city (I wish you could see the heel, it’s about 2.5 inches)- I was CRANKY & WHINEY! 2 things husbands just LOVE.

This day is one were I got about 20,000 steps in and my feet STILL felt great! So definitely bring your comfiest shoes, leave those adorable boots behind! You won’t be sorry, I promise.

2. Scarf

Number 2 on my list is something everyone probably already has- a scarf! If you don’t have one you can get one that’s inexpensive. I love scarves, especially, for traveling because you can bring it on the plane and if you are cold you can use it as a blanket or a little pillow. It’s also a great fashion accessory! You can even do a “who wore it best” contest with statues in museums!

Nailed it.

3. Cross Body Purse/Anti-Theft Backpack

When I’m traveling I love to wear cross body purses for 2 reasons 1) they are much comfier than having to carry one in your hand and 2) safety- it’s much harder to steal a purse from someone if it is worn around their body vs. their hands.

In addition to my cross-body purse, we are traveling to Paris for the first time and I’ve been reading A LOT about pickpockets. At first I was like “eh we will be fine, no big deal” but I’ve talked to some different people who have traveled to Paris, and other big cities, I want to say the majority of them have told me stories about someone having their purse or backpack cut or someone they know- so we’re taking extra precautions this trip. We both ordered a Pacsafe Metrosafe Anti-Theft Backpack It is made specifically to protect your items from theft – such as a metal mesh that prevents slicers from cutting your bag, RFID blockers, etc. I will let you know how well this one works when we get back from our trip! But definitely wear a cross body purse in the meantime, it’s my go to!

4. Neckwrap Thing

My 4th item is my new favorite thing! I’ve always brought a neck pillow on a plane but I still could never seem to get it in a comfortable position. Last time we flew to London we had a 7.5 hour plane ride and neither one of us got any sleep (surprisingly enough, I wasn’t cranky OR whiney once we landed-I was too excited!). I ordered this Neckwrap thing I saw in a blog somewhere- I figured worse case scenario I’ll just return it if it doesn’t work, no biggie. What’s unique about it is that it has a built in inner skeletol frame that actually helps to support your neck. I tried this out on a quick 2 hour flight and slept like a BABY! No joke. I snored, drooled- everything (#judgementfreezone)! So this is my new go-to travel item. I’m making Chris order his own before the trip because I won’t be sharing- sorry babe 🙂 Even if you don’t want to get the neckwrap, still bring a something for neck support that you know you will be able to get some sleep with. Those long haul flights can be exhausting and trust me- counting sheep doesn’t work(I stopped counting at around 50,000 last time).

5. CARRY ON SUITCASE- NO checked bags!

One of the best choices I’ve ever made when traveling is to ditch the big suitcase and just bring a carry on! This is not an easy task for me as I am a notorious over-packer. I’m the one who brings a suitcase on a 3 day weekend getaway- i’m that person. But I recently had a revelation- I don’t want to lug around a big jumbo suitcase, period. Last time we were in London trying to navigate the tube stations and carry our huge suitcases over the stairs it was a nightmare! Chris ended up having to carry mine too after I dropped it several times and accidentally dropped it onto a child’s foot (oops!). I will admit I was a bit skeptical on whether or not I can actually fit all the stuff I want to bring in a tiny little itty bitty carry on but after much struggle and deciding between clothes I DID IT! I FIT ALL MY STUFF!(is it weird that I feel like I deserve a medal or trophy for this? Because i do) Now, that being said, when you’re going on a long trip and only bringing a carry on you can only bring SO many clothes- plan on bringing 2 to 3 pairs of pants, 3 or 4 tops and just keep rotating until their smelly and then wash them 🙂 This is my favorite little carry on suitcase and ever since making the switch to just bringing a carry on, life has been SO much easier! No waiting in lines to drop off your bags, no waiting to pick up your bags, just go! You’re welcome! 🙂

6. Hooded Windbreaker Jacket

I know what you’re thinking. What’s so great about a windbreaker? Well, number 6 is definitely a must if you are going to be traveling anywhere that may be windy or cold. A simple windbreaker jacket can help keep you warm while combating the rain and wind. The hood will also help shield you from the rain. This was definitely useful in London. It’s lightweight, easy to roll up and keep in your purse or backpack and keeps you dry!

See how happy being warm and dry can be?

Rocking our windbreakers!

7. A GOOD Camera

This is another time where I learned my lesson. When we went to- you guessed it- London I purchased a small digital camera, a little over $100. I figured it would take better pictures than my cell phone so I should be happy. I was wrong. When I reviewed the pictures after our trip I was really disappointed in the quality. Shots were blurry, not in focus- just overall crappy. After that I decided to spend more money and invest in a nice camera that I can get great shots out of. I got the Nikon Coolpix B700. I really love it, it takes wonderful pictures, has lots of features and isn’t too bulky. That’s the only downside, for me, about having a nice camera-is the size but the results are worth it- in my opinion. Here’s a photo I took with my new camera. The squirrel was such a great subject, he smiled for me and everything 🙂

8. Cucumber Facial Wipes

Being on a plane after several hours makes me feel GROSS. I love to bring Cucumber Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes they are FABULOUS! These make me feel clean and fresh. I keep them in my purse and clean my face before landing and i’m ready to hit the runway!(fashion runway or plane runway- either one). Chris also approves 🙂

9. Portable Charger

THIS IS A MUST!

I don’t know about your phones or devices but my batteries do not last long at all. I’m lucky if my phone is still at 30% by the end of my work day. We purchased 2 of these High Density Power Bank bad boys and are so glad we did- we carry them in my purse & backpacks so when we’re running low we don’t need to worry about running out of juice.

10. YOUR APPETITE!

Did you think I was going to write a blog about traveling and not talk about eating???

Seriously though! There is an art to traveling and eating- you have to PACE yourself. When you go to eat at places, don’t fill up on everything in sight (it’s hard, i know) have small portions so you can sample more places! I know i won’t be able to eat at every cafe’ in Paris ( a girl can try!) but if I only eat a little here and there then we can go to more delicious spots! There is a method to my eating madness:)

Happy Traveling!

xoxo,

Tiffany

What are your must have travel items? I’d love to know! Leave a comment!